We must set our eyes on the city to come, the new Jerusalem, in which we will behold the face of our beloved Bridegroom, enjoy the spiritual blessings that are ours in Christ, celebrate the consummation of God’s promises, and stand beside those from every tribe, tongue and nation to worship the Lamb of God forever (Revelation 22:1-5).

Living in a broken world is difficult. Suffering abounds—anguish, distress, fear, grief, hardships, troubles, and weakness. Sin is rampant—both around us and within us. Yet, for the believer (saints), suffering and sin become gateways to knowing, trusting, and obeying the triune God.

Such knowledge, upon which trust and obedience are built, is found in the word of God. And it is the Bible that reveals to us the beauty of covenant theology. It’s important to understand that covenant theology isn’t a system of doctrine imposed on Scripture. Instead, it is God’s way of speaking about the gospel in all of Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation. Therefore, it should shape how we live our daily lives in at least five ways.

1. God Is Completely Trustworthy

First, each day you and I will be reminded in one way or another that other people are not completely trustworthy. It may be something as devastating as our spouse betraying us, or it may be a friend gossiping about us. Both hurt, though certainly not to the same degree. But the beauty of covenant theology is that it reminds us that God is completely trustworthy. He has condescended to us and made a promise:

“I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me” (2 Cor. 6:18).

If you are devastated today because of betrayal, be comforted. Because of His great love for us, God has chosen us to be His people and He always keeps His promises.

2. God’s Word Is Our Greatest Treasure

Second, you and I will be daily tempted to prioritize other people or things above the reading and study of God’s word. But the beauty of covenant theology is that it reminds us there is no book as wonderful as the Bible.

• The Bible’s words “are pure words” (Ps. 12:6).
• The Bible is powerful enough to convert the soul (Ps. 19:7).
• The Holy Scriptures reveal to us “wondrous things” (Ps. 119:18).
• Scripture consistently testifies of Christ (John 5:39).
• God’s word provides comfort for God’s people (Rom. 15:4).
• God is the author, and His word is “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

3. Christ Is the Center of Our Story

Third, on a daily basis we will be tempted to believe that our suffering, sin, or service is our identity. But the beauty of covenant theology is that it reminds us that Christ is the center of our story, as well as the bigger story of redemption.

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